Ex-Bears QB Campbell to start for Browns

October 23, 2013|Sports XChange

Jason Campbell is in and Brandon Weeden is out as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback.

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski announced Wednesday that he is turning to the veteran Campbell for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs in place of Weeden, who struggled after Brian Hoyer went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 5.

"I think looking at Jason, the things he brings to the table (are) his leadership, his experience," Chudzinski said. "He's been productive and successful in the league. Look at his arm strength, his mobility and those things, (then) tie in from a game-plan standpoint for what we need in this game."

The 32-year-old Campbell, who last started a game for the Chicago Bears in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in November 2012, will become the Browns' 20th starting quarterback since 1999 and the team's third in 2013 as the season reaches the halfway point. He started six games for the Oakland Raiders in 2011 before suffering a knee injury.

"It really is about production and ultimately being consistent in that area," Chudzinski said.

Campbell draws a tough first assignment against the unbeaten Chiefs, who lead the NFL in sacks with 35.

"It's not about one person," Campbell said. "I know everyone wanted to say it's about Brandon. But it really wasn't about one person. We all as a collective group have to do a better job play in and play out.

"One thing that I could do is try to be a leader. At the same time try to do my job to the best of my abilities. Not try to do anything to the extreme. Try to stay within the game and find your rhythm."

Weeden, a first-round drarft pick in 2012, completed only 17-of-42 passes for 149 yards with one touchdown and one interception last Sunday in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. He ranks 32nd in the league in completion precentage and 30th in passer rating.

The Browns are 0-4 in games that Weeden started this season.

The Browns apparently were not desperate enough to sign former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was turned down when he called the team asking for a tryout

The 43-year-old started 10 games for the Browns in 2004 but has not played in five years. Still, Garcia told 92.3 The Fan on Tuesday that he thought he could help the team.

'I actually reached out to the Browns and said, 'Hey, if you need a guy to come in, work me out, take a look,'" Garcia said. ''I don't know if people want me back in Cleveland, but I'm open to the opportunity.''